Garage essentials for a basic motorcycle toolkit

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Bargain Hunter: This week’s hot deals on motorbike kit and tools

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RST Pro Series Commander Jacket Review

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Off-road motorcycle tyres for your next adventure

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DJI Osmo Action review: a serious rival to GoPro

Travel

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Maintenance

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Tools

Tyres

Clothing

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Accessories

Luggage

Security

Tech

Comfort

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There's no shortage of cheap motorbike kit to be found on the internet - but it can be more difficult to know who and what to trust. Every week in MCN's Bargain Hunter we bring you the best deals we can find online from reputable retailers selling trustworthy kit that won't let you down or break the bank.

With summer just around the corner we’ve been digging around for deals and offers that’ll not only suit the season, but also lighten your wallet by less than £100 a pop.

## Last week's bargains: {#h-last-week-s-bargains}

A textile jacket can provide a do it all solution for tackling the gloriously changeable climate we’re blessed with in the UK. Take the Wolf Fortitude for example, which has fitted, sports touring style looks and a philosophy that’s all about comfort.

The RST Pro Series Commander is the firm’s flagship [textile motorcycle jacket](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-textile-motorcycle-jacket/). It’s a completely [waterproof laminate jacket](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/laminated-textile-motorcycle-jackets/) thanks to its SinAqua Pro technology – meaning you don’t have to mess around with waterproof linings – and is packed with vents for when the weather is good, too.

The Commander is a [jacket built for touring](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/motorcycle-touring-jackets/) and so it’s crammed with practical touches like its five inner and five outer pockets, soft touch collar and removable thermal liner – plus a AA [CE rating](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/ce-ratings-explained/) and CE level 2 armour for your back, shoulders and elbows.

For riding large distances through all weathers or simply commuting through the winter, the Commander is a solid option and, at £300, it won’t break the bank either.

## **Is the RST Pro Series Commander jacket** comfortable?

In its full winter mode with the thermal lining fitted the jacket feels a bit heavy and bulky and - while that’s sort of par for the course for this kind of garment – 3.3kg does seem a little excessive.

The thermal lining is really thick (the thickest I’ve had in a jacket so far) and  it’s smooth and cosy, too. I had no issues with staying warm wearing just a T-shirt underneath at close to freezing temperatures.

Once you take the liner out, the armour feels a little abrasive against your elbows. A baselayer solves the issue but it’s not so bad that you can’t put up with it.

Conversely, where the collar and cuffs come into contact with your skin they are incredibly soft and comfortable thanks to soft touch fabric in the ideal spots.

There’s plenty of adjustment on the waist and arms so you can get the Commander to fit like a glove, which also helps to prevent too much flapping about at speed on the road.

The venting is very impressive when the weather is hot with two large inlet slits on the chest and two exhaust ones on the rear to keep the cool air flowing. It's not as good as a [mesh jacket](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/mesh-motorcycle-jackets/) but far more practical.

## Is the **RST Pro Series Commander jacket** practical?

All the zips, pockets, adjusters and press studs are chunky and strong-feeling and really easy to use. There are magnets on each side of the chest to hold the vent flap open and a hook to hold the collar when it’s hot – it’s all really well thought-out.

There are pockets seemingly everywhere and it can be a job to keep track of where you’ve stashed things until you’ve come up with a system.

I much prefer laminated textiles to modular systems with a separate waterproof layer as it takes the guess work out of getting dressed. Knowing you can just stick it on and head out, ready for whatever the day throws at you is far more attractive to me than consulting five different weather apps every day before I leave the house.

## Does the RST Pro Series Commander jacket look good?

The Commander has a certain ‘unmarked police biker’ look to it but I quite like it. The black is unassuming and subtle with just a strip of reflective detailing straight across the front for safety.

As far as touring/winter textiles go, I’d much rather go for something like this than the kind of beige adventure touring suit you often see – especially when I’m riding a road bike in winter, not a GS through the desert.

## Is the RST Pro Series Commander jacket good quality?

I’ve worn this jacket through several serious deluges and stayed bone dry (although the same can’t be said for the [matching RST Pro Series Commander trousers](https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/mcn/content_prod/552778/#/500,2113,840), which leaked through the crotch). The waterproofing is excellent, and so is the general build quality.

All the seams and zips feel very solid and like they will stand up to many seasons of use. The 3.3kg weight, although seemingly excessive, does lend a certain reassuring heft to the Commander that makes it feel very sturdy, too.

## Does the RST Pro Series Commander jacket offer good protection?

You get CE Level 2 armour at the elbows, shoulders and back and the garment overall is rated AA for use on the road – as is all of RST’s textile range for 2023 (excluding mesh).

Some textile gear I’ve tested has felt a bit flimsy, but I’d have no reservations sliding down the road in this.

## Is the RST Pro Series Commander jacket good value?

The price is pretty much the best bit: £299 for a reliable, laminated, AA-rated textile jacket is a bit of a bargain.

An [Oxford Hinterland](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/oxford-hinterland-suit-review/) will set you back £329.99, a Klim Latitude has a hefty RRP of £750 and a Rukka Kingsley costs £1549.99. Suddenly, the RST seems very well-spec’d indeed for the price!

Textiles aren’t really my cup of tea but they are also an inevitable part of riding in the UK’s climate. If you commute year round or even plan a leisure trip outside of the hottest two weeks in August, waterproof textiles can be a life-saver.

I like the stealthy look of the RSTs and they are also comfy, warm and keep you dry in the rain. What’s more, the venting is excellent once the temperature does rise.

All of the practicality and reliability of the RST coupled with the low price mean I would consider the Commander for winter commuting.

The SW-Motech Legend Gear line was specifically designed to complement retro-style motorcycles and sits alongside a [range of luggage options](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/luggage/universal-motorcycle-panniers/) such as tank bags, backpacks, saddlebags and more, so you can get the whole look before you take on a tour.

A benefit of such a large range is that you’re bound to find the perfect bag your bike, and even then the bag itself can be tailored according to bike model. I tested this with a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail while touring America, a bike for which the bag was tailored for, but I also used it on an [Aprilia Tuareg](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/aprilia/tuareg-660/2022/) back in the UK.

## Is the SW-Motech Legend Gear tailbag easy to use? {#h-is-the-sw-motech-legend-gear-tailbag-easy-to-use}

[Soft luggage](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/luggage/motorcycle-luggage-accessories/) is one of those things that can make your long ride worth it if it works well at the end of your time in the saddle, and this SW-Motech bag is a great example of such. If you don’t mind leaving the straps on the bike, then it’s just a case of pushing the buckles to release the bag from the bike and you’re away with its easy-to-use grab handles.

The bag is covered with small latching points which can hold other bags in the Legend Gear series (of which the backpack attaches beautifully) but is also ideal for a couple of bungee cords which I use to tuck extra layers under as the ride gets warmer.

The only niggle I had was with the waterproof cover. The bag itself is dubbed as splashproof and comes with a waterproof cover. While on the road with the bag as a new addition, I pulled over to put on the cover only to discover it is designed to sit inside the bag – so you need to ensure you pack inside the cover if you think you’re going to get caught out in the rain. But saying that, the splashproof was more than effective in a light shower, so you needn’t worry too much.

## Is the SW-Motech Legend Gear tailbag good quality?

Like with other SW-Motech kit I’ve tested, I found this tailbag to be high quality and extremely durable. Despite the bag being labelled as splashproof rather than waterproof, it holds up well in light rain showers and the little additions such as the bit of elastic to keep the straps tidy and chunky zips make a world of difference.

The bag was hoisted on and off my bike almost every day for three weeks, but showed no strain, even when packed to the brim. While talking about packing, the shape stayed put even when stuffing far too much in, and was hard to distort while packing.

## Does the SW Motech Legend Gear tailbag look good?

Marketed towards owners of retro bikes, I think the Legend Gear range will appeal to those who fancy something a little less mainstream-looking to pop on their two wheels for a weekend away. I think the design is understated, but is effective as well as practical.

And somehow even with its 48-litre capacity, it doesn’t have the imposing and bulky appearance of some others chunky tailbags I’ve seen. It sits cleverly over the rear seat and settles in with the line of the bike that bit more, and the design tone for a retro bike is spot on. I can see why the extra fastenings might put some off who prefer more of a streamlined or modern look, but when you weigh it up with the practicality of the tailbag, I think it can be forgiven.

## ****Is the SW Motech Legend Gear tailbag good value?****

Not sure if I’m the only one, but I have luggage systems in the cupboard under my stairs that have been sitting there for years, some for better, some for worse. But I fully expect to see this tailbag emerge from under there for at least the next decade and not have a mark on it.

I agree, the price tag of £257.95 initially provokes a sharp intake of breath, but if you’re looking for luggage that’ll last, then it’s well worth the outlay, especially as you get the waterproof liner bag, 4 loop straps, licence plate straps, protective foil, and mounting instructions with the bag itself.

The SW Motech Legend Gear Tailbag is a practical, spacious, and high-quality bit of kit that is ideal for almost any luggage need on your bike. Tailored to certain models (and an option for a generic size if your bike isn’t listed) it takes the small things into account that really matter when you’re using it all day every day.

Compared to others on the market, it can be a little pricey, but I think it’ll be a hard-working bike-kit staple for years, so it may just be worth the investment for daily rides, as well as those longer trips.

[Motorcycle riding jeans](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-jeans/) have come a long way over the years and this pair from Roadskin genuinely boggle the mind with their combination of comfort, lightweight fabric and protection.

To say that these single layer jeans from British firm Roadskin look and feel ‘just like jeans’ may seem like stating the obvious but it’s the highest praise I can think to give. Apart from the [CE level 2](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/ce-ratings-explained/) armour, there’s nothing to give these away as anything other than a comfy pair of denim trousers – and yet, they achieve the highest CE rating of AAA.

And that’s not just the rating for the fabric, either, it’s for the jeans as a whole. Given that a triple A rating was largely reserved for [leather garments](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-leather-motorcycling-jackets/) until quite recently, this is incredibly impressive.

## Are the Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA jeans comfortable? {#h-are-the-roadskin-taranis-elite-aaa-jeans-comfortable}

The fit is slim enough to look cool without being overly restrictive and they’ve got a Lycra component in the fabric that means you can move freely on the bike anyway. They’re really incredibly comfortable and I could easily sit and work in them all day after wearing them to commute.

The fabric is thin enough to keep you cool on warmer days (and has a subtle mesh lining to help with this) and I wore them into autumn with a [pair of baselayers](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-thermals-and-base-layers/) underneath and felt plenty warm enough, too.

## Are the Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA jeans practical?

The Taranis jeans are as practical as riding denim needs to be. They’re super comfy and that means you don’t need to change out of then when you get to your destination if you don’t need to. I happily work a day at the office wearing them.

The pockets are in the places you’d expect for a pair of jeans and are deep enough to keep your possessions secure on the move, too.

They’re not [waterproof](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/waterproof-motorcycle-jeans/) but if that came at the expense of any of the breathability, I wouldn’t want it. They’re mostly intended for warmer rides but definitely dry ones, anyway.

## Do the Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA jeans look good?

As I said above, the Taranis jeans look like a normal pair of trousers. They’ve got a fairly slim fit but not skinny and the stretch fabric means you can move around freely.

I’ve got them in black and think they look  great for sunny jacket and jeans rides. They don’t look out of place or strange once you’ve walked away from your bike, either, which is a bonus and means you don’t feel self-conscious if you ride to the pub.

## Are the Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA jeans good quality?

My pair have got a few thousand miles on them now and still look like new. The zips fgeel sturdy and strong, as you’d expect with a AAA rating, and the buttons and rivets are good quality too.

## Do the Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA jeans offer good protection?

Fortunately, I’ve not crashed wearing these yet but the AAA CE rating for the fabric and the garment means I’d feel confident of being ok if I did. The CE level 2 knee armour has the option of low or high pockets so you can get it in just the right position and it cups your kneecaps nicely.

I’m not a fan of hip armour so I’ve taken mine out but it comes included and is also C level 2.

## Are the Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA jeans good value?

At £179.99, the Roadskin Taranis jeans aren’t the cheapest… but they’re not the most expensive either. Make sure you’re comparing apples with apples when shopping around, a pair of Tesco jeans is much cheaper but won’t look after you in an off.

Oxford’s Original Approved AAA jeans are a little cheaper at £129.99 but RST’s Tech Pro CE Aramid cost more at £189.99. A pair of John Doe Defender Mono cargo pants will set you back £235.

When it comes to this kind of summer and casual kit I’ve always aired on the side of comfort – using the theory that if I’m comfortable I’ll be able to focus on the ride better. But the Roadskin Taranis jeans let me keep that level of comfort with the added peace of mind that they won’t fall to bits in a slide.

No, they’re not the cheapest, but they look great on and off the bike and achieving a AAA rating for a denim garment should be applauded.

I would certainly spend my own money on a pair without thinking twice.

Alpinestars are well-known for their off-road bike gear and these Tech 7 Enduro Drystar [motorbike boots](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-boots/) are the latest in a long line of popular, high-quality dirt bike kit.

When I ride on the road, I tend to go for the [lightest and most comfortable kit](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/casual-motorcycle-clothing/) I can get my hands on. I’m all up for [riding jeans](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-jeans/), [urban boots](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/urban-motorcycle-boots/) and mesh or [leather jackets](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-leather-motorcycling-jackets/) (when the weather allows). But if I’m heading onto the dirty stuff, I always prioritise safety… because I’m excellent at falling off.

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